Trump Muses About Seizing Kharg Island, Says Iran Talks Via Pakistan Going Well, Sets April 6 Deadline

Donald Trump told the Financial Times that indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran through Pakistani envoys are progressing well. The U.S. President added: "Are we seeing a deal with Iran? It might happen soon." He also said the number of oil tankers flying Pakistani flags that the Islamic Republic allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz has doubled to 20 ships. Trump noted that Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of Iran's Parliament, authorized the additional tankers. According to Reuters, Trump said in another part of the interview that he wants to "seize Iran's oil" and added: "Maybe we'll take Kharg Island, maybe not. We have many options." Trump acknowledged that such an action could lead to long-term U.S. military presence in the region. The Financial Times reported that Trump — while continuing indirect negotiations with Tehran — spoke about the possibility of seizing Kharg Island and "taking Iran's oil," emphasizing that America still has multiple military options. In referencing Washington's Venezuela policy, he said his personal preference is "taking Iran's oil," though he admitted such a move could lead to long-term U.S. military presence in the region. Trump claimed Iran's defensive capability at Kharg is limited and the U.S. could "easily" seize it. He nonetheless emphasized continuing the diplomatic path, saying negotiations through intermediaries are "going well." Trump set a deadline of April 6 for reaching a deal and warned that if Iran does not accept Washington's conditions, Iran's energy sector will be targeted. The Financial Times noted that as U.S. military presence in the Middle East strengthens, escalating tensions have driven up oil prices and pressure on global energy markets. Speaking to reporters Sunday night about the Islamic Republic and negotiations, Trump said: "They are completely devastated right now. They are going to give up nuclear weapons. They are going to give us nuclear particles. They are going to do whatever we want. And you know what? They might have a great country again. But if they don't do it, they won't have a country." Trump also said Sunday night that while the U.S. is negotiating with the Islamic Republic, "you can't know the fate of negotiations with the Iranian regime because [every time] we negotiated with them we had to blow them up."